Lab X-Change: The DNA Ladder

Flashcards covering key concepts about DNA structure, function, and cellular biology.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a large molecule made of nucleotides.

Double-helix

The shape formed by the two strands of DNA twisted around each other.

Backbone

The phosphate-sugar backbone that forms the exterior of the DNA molecule.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

Complementary base pairs

The pairs of nitrogenous bases in DNA that bond together, specifically adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine.

Asymmetric

Refers to the structure of nucleotides indicating that the two strands of DNA run in opposite directions.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, often proteins.

Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell that does not have a nucleus and contains DNA in a single circular chromosome.

Replication

The process of copying DNA prior to cell division.

Heat effect on DNA

Heat can cause the DNA strands to separate or denature, affecting stability and structure.